The Ebonyi State Government has intensified its crackdown on unsafe buildings to prevent structural collapses, urging property owners to conduct regular integrity assessments and comply with town planning regulations.
One of the buildings marked for demolition.
The Ebonyi State Government has intensified enforcement measures against unsafe and dilapidated buildings across the state capital as part of efforts to prevent structural collapses and protect lives and property.
The enforcement exercise was led by the Commissioner for Capital City Development and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Martina Obya, the Head of Town Planning, Mrs Esther Nwite, and members of the state task force.
The inspection followed an earlier exercise conducted on July 7, during which owners and occupants of distressed buildings were served notices to vacate or demolish unsafe structures.
During the operation, officials inspected a one-storey building in Abakaliki identified as posing a significant safety risk. Idike said the initial 21-day eviction notice issued to the occupants had expired and that, based on an agreement with the property owner, demolition of the structure would begin within the week.
The task force also served a fresh 21-day eviction and removal notice on the owner of a deteriorating building on Liberty Street after determining that the structure was in critical condition.
Officials expressed concern that despite visible structural failures in parts of the affected buildings, several families, including children, were still residing in the premises.
Idike condemned the situation and reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing avoidable disasters caused by structural neglect.
He urged property owners to carry out regular structural integrity assessments and comply strictly with the state’s town planning regulations.
